Overview

• The Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division launched a pattern-or-practice investigation into potential race-based hiring in Mayor Brandon Johnson's administration.
• The investigation follows Johnson's remarks at a church where he highlighted the number of Black officials in his administration and emphasized their roles.
• Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon stated there is 'reasonable cause' to believe hiring decisions may have been made solely based on race, which could breach federal civil rights law.
• Mayor Johnson defended his administration as the most diverse in Chicago's history, with staffing demographics reflecting 45% Black, 25% Latino, 30% white, and 8% Asian representation.
• The non-criminal investigation could last 12–18 months and potentially lead to a consent decree, with federal officials requesting cooperation from the mayor's office.